Voice of the Faithful claims that it’s not a heretical organization, that it doesn’t “take a stand” on controversial Church teachings (except when you don’t “take a stand” on doctrine, you are taking a stand). And time and time again, they give evidence that they really are a dissent organization, a new face for the same old Call to Action dissidents.
The latest examples:
(1) Voice of the Faithful New Jersey is hosting a conference in October called “Emerging Models of Church.” The panelists include James Callan and Mary Ramerman of Spiritus Christi Church in Rochester, New York. Callan was a Catholic priest who continually violated Church teaching by having Ramerman “concelebrate” Masses with him. Eventually they went into schism and started their own church. The other panelists are of like mind and temperment, most schismatics who left the church to start their own churches, “free” of the doctrine of the Church, including at least one United Church of Christ group.
(2) Meanwhile, VOTF’s National Representative Council will be considering proposals at its next meeting regarding a position in favor of ordaining women into the Catholic priesthood. From the beginning, many people warned that VOTF would morph from the surface appearance of concern over the Scandal to its real purpose, which is to agitate for heterodox changes in the Church a la Call to Action and FutureChurch. Their mistake was made early on when their first web site revealed the true heterodox underpinnings of the movement, which was quickly hidden away until they could gain respectability first. Well, they’re dragging their true nature back into the light again. Here’s the proposal:
VOTF leadership has sidelined several issues and subjects over the last four years in an effort to give our mission statement and goals a chance to breathe on their own. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit breathes where it wills, not necessarily paying attention to categories and boundaries when dealing with the life and growth of our Church. Thus, we believe that a VOTF-significant subject that can wait no longer is the status of women in the Catholic Church. Attached please find a resolution for the NRCs consideration, discussion and vote.
The intent of the resolution is to establish a collective voice that would respond to the Church’s ancient “spin” on women. It is wide in scope and is constitutive of more than half of the Churchs members. Ultimately, we believe this resolution will contribute to the formation of a church that proclaims and lives the reality that both men and women share equal status in the eyes of God; hence, equally recognized within the church communio.
Critics predict if we extend our focus VOTF will lose ground. The fact is that VOTF will not flourish if it does not evolve. We have considered the negative effect that this resolution might have, but are convinced that such an extension of vision will only illuminate our journey for justice. Pursuing this initiative will provide important opportunities for collaboration with others of like mind, and secure VOTF’s position on the map of the Church in the 21st Century.
So which is the true face of VOTF? What I posted above or these claims from their web site?
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We accept the teaching authority of the Catholic Church.
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We have taken no position on the many other issues that divide Catholics in 2002.
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We do not advocate the end of priestly celibacy, the exclusion of homosexuals from the priesthood, the ordination of women, or any of the other remedies that have been proposed across the spectrum of Catholic thought.
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“VOTF will not flourish if it does not evolve.”
Priestesses are needed for ‘evolution?” Hey, guys, check out the Anglicans and see how they’re evolving – into oblivion. Pray, God, VOTF will as well.
The original VOTF slideshow which quickly disappeared from the site early on (I still have it, though) by founder James Muller speaks to the need of “educating the Church on the equality of women.” It also blatantly discusses the tactic of avoiding “all divisive issues” until it has attracted “liberal, conservative, and moderate” Catholics.
This strategy was outlined in April of 2002.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.
By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
So by their fruits you will know them”
The Lord Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 7. 15-20
I have a copy of the program from their first Big Gathering from way back at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.
Evidence. It was all there early on.
The presenters were a Who’s Who of neo-gnostic hacks and theological revolutionaries.
They’re not on the level. Never have been.